Planning Portland Style: Pitfalls and Possibilities

Abstract

The nation can learn much from regional growth management in Portland, OR which uses an urban growth boundary (UGB) to maintain a compact metropolitan form. Carl Abbott, Henry R. Richmond, and William A. Fischel offer very different views on how to interpret Portland's lessons; however, they agree that Portland is clearly trying something innovative. In fact, Portland's style of growth management has touched a nerve in the booming urban West, where even California is actively debating its implications. We fear that many fast-growing regions throughout the country will use UGBs to simply slow development rather than integrate them into a comprehensive planning strategy as Portland has. We especially worry about the impact on affordable housing. Portland's politics give the region a unique urban form that now - in and of itself - helps maintain a coalition between city and suburbs on such key issues as housing, transportation, economic development, and equity among municipalities.